Price v. Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe Railway Co.

This case presents the question of the availability in California of the doctrine of forum non conveniens as a ground for refusal by a court to exercise jurisdiction over a cause of action which arose outside the state’s boundaries. We have concluded that upon a proper showing and within the limitations imposed by the privileges and immunities clause of the federal Constitution (art. IV, § 2) the doctrine may be applied in this state.

Plaintiff filed this action in the superior court in Los Angeles, under the provisions of the Federal Employers’ Liability Act (45 U.S.C.A. § 51 et seq.),…